Customer Reviews

Raw Creation: Outsider Art & Beyond

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Maizel has collected more than just the art of the emotionally disturbed and has illustrated, implicitly, the links between modernism and primitivism, folk art and creative genius. Both disturbing and provocative, his selections force one to confront and view these creations with a fresh perspective. Of particular interest is his writing on French artist Jean Dubuffet, who was among the first to recognize such works as real art with something worth exploring and accepting, on par with "formal" art. This book though is not overly intellectual and is primarily a collection of illustrations and prints, sometimes light on the text. I like the way the footnotes are treated on each page and would suspect that these footnotes could serve as a source for further explorations.

Many people are confused upon hearing the term "outsider art." After all how can anything be outsider art when the definition of art is so loosely defined? And yet, this complicated term is somewhat of a standard in the art world and becoming more widely studied as more art historians (and artists) realize the importance that these creators have to our world. These folks that are self-taught, folk artists, etc. have an important place within the art world and this outstanding book takes a close look at their place in the world. Maizels experience within and interactions with these artists allows him to place their work into the context of art, history, and life. It is divided into three sections: Part one explores Art Brut, Dubuffet, and the art of the insane; part two focuses on folk and self-taught artists around the world; and part three looks at visionary environments. The book is composed of many fantastic photographs and illustrations that highlight just what is being discussed throughout the book. In fact if there is any complaint about the book is that sometimes the photographs overwhelm the text. Overall though this is an important book to a better understanding of the art world and is highly recommended for any artist, historian, or fan of art.

In spite of having an amazing outsider art production we don't have so much discussions about this subject in the Brazilian artistic scenery.
So, this book is very important to me. It has a very beautiful presentation and shows the most important artists that represent this movement as Dubuffet, the Art Brut collection in Lausanne or Ferdinand Cheval works and Neck Chand spetacular gardens and figurines. And it is particularly interesting to know what is going on outside USA and Europe.

The product arrived on time and in great condition. I thought the photos would be bigger but overall I am satisfied.